Liquid dispenser system

ABSTRACT

A system comprises a bottle comprising a neck and a body, wherein the neck comprises a port configured for communication between an inside and an outside atmosphere. A bladder is configured to hold liquid and to fit within the body of the bottle. A seal cap couples the bladder to the bottle. A head assembly couples to the seal cap and forms a seal between the bladder and the head assembly. The head assembly comprises a nozzle.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of containers that store and dispense liquids and, more particularly, to a liquid dispenser system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Modern cleaning systems frequently employ a liquid solvent or agent to help remove stains, sanitize spill areas, remove odors, and/or a number of other functions in addition to removing dirt, soil, and/or debris. The liquid agents employed in cleaning often deteriorate when exposed to the atmosphere. However, common, cost-efficient agent dispensers, such as the common spray bottle, for example, do not effectively reduce intermingling with the atmosphere outside the dispenser. And typical systems that sequester a liquid agent from atmospheric contact are relatively costly to produce, fill, and use.

Additionally, typical condiment dispensers suffer from the same shortcomings. For example, common mustard dispensers allow a relatively high degree of atmospheric exposure with each use, hastening the deterioration of the mustard, resulting in unnecessary waste.

Therefore, there is a need for a liquid dispenser system and/or method that addresses at least some of the problems and disadvantages associated with conventional systems and methods.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The following summary is provided to facilitate an understanding of some of the innovative features unique to the embodiments disclosed and is not intended to be a full description. A full appreciation of the various aspects of the embodiments can be gained by taking into consideration the entire specification, claims, drawings, and abstract as a whole.

It is, therefore, one aspect of the present invention to provide for an improved liquid storage system.

The aforementioned aspects and other objectives and advantages can now be achieved as described herein. A system comprises a bottle comprising a neck and a body, wherein the neck comprises a port configured for communication between an inside and an outside atmosphere. A bladder is configured to hold liquid and to fit within the body of the bottle. A seal cap couples the bladder to the bottle. A head assembly couples to the seal cap and forms a seal between the bladder and the head assembly. The head assembly comprises a nozzle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally-similar elements throughout the separate views and which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, further illustrate the embodiments and, together with the detailed description, serve to explain the embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram showing an improved liquid dispenser system in accordance with a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram showing a head assembly in accordance with a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram showing an improved liquid dispenser system in accordance with a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram showing an improved liquid dispenser system in accordance with a preferred embodiment; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram showing an improved liquid dispenser system in accordance with a preferred embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The particular values and configurations discussed in these non-limiting examples can be varied and are cited merely to illustrate at least one embodiment and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

In the following discussion, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known elements have been illustrated in schematic or block diagram form in order not to obscure the present invention in unnecessary detail.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a high-level block diagram illustrating certain components of a liquid dispersal system 100. System 100 comprises a head assembly 102, a seal cap 104, a bladder 106, and a bottle 108. As described in additional detail below, in one embodiment, head assembly 102 is an otherwise conventional spray bottle head. In an alternate embodiment, head assembly 102 is an otherwise conventional squeeze bottle head, also described in more detail below.

In one embodiment, head assembly 102 includes a coupling cap 110, a stalk 112, and an intake pod 114. Coupling cap 110 couples head assembly 102 to bottle 108. In one embodiment, stalk 112 is a hollow tube extending from head assembly 102, with intake pod 114 coupled at a distal end of stalk 112. In one embodiment, intake pot 114 is configured to be situated in a body of liquid stored in bladder 106, and is configured as a conduit for liquid to travel from within bladder 106 into stalk 112.

In one embodiment, bottle 108 is an otherwise conventional bottle comprising a neck 140. In one embodiment, bottle 108 is constructed of a rigid material such as hard plastic, glass, or hard rubber.

In one embodiment, bladder 106 is an otherwise conventional bladder configured to hold liquid. In one embodiment, bladder 16 is constructed of lightweight, flexible rubber. In the illustrated embodiment, bladder 106 includes an orifice 130 configured to correspond approximately to the size of neck 140.

In the illustrated embodiment, seal cap 104 is configured to secure bladder 106 to bottle 108, and to couple to head assembly 102. In one embodiment, seal cap 104 comprises a rubber or plastic half-toroid washer. In an alternate embodiment, seal cap 104 comprises a double-threaded screw cap. In the illustrated embodiment, seal cap 104 comprises an orifice 102 oriented to permit stalk 112 to pass into bladder 106 when seal cap 104 affixes to bottle 108.

Additional details and variations of the system 100 are now described in further detail.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a head assembly 200 such as head assembly 102 of FIG. 1, for example. In the illustrated embodiment, head assembly 200 comprises a head base 202, a nozzle 204, a spray trigger 206, and stalk 212, which ends in intake pod 214. Generally, head base 202 serves as a foundation to which nozzle 204 and spray trigger 206 couple. Head base 202 further serves as a conduit for liquid to travel from stalk 212 to nozzle 204, though action of spray trigger 206. Head assembly 200 also includes a head cap 208, which, in the illustrated embodiment, is an otherwise conventional screw cap configured to attach to a threaded cylinder.

Nozzle 204 is an otherwise conventional spray nozzle. Spray trigger 206 is an otherwise conventional spray trigger and pump assembly configured to draw liquid through intake pod 214, through stalk 212 and out nozzle 204. Stalk 212 is an otherwise conventional spray bottle stalk.

In the illustrated embodiment, stalk 212 couples to intake pod 214, disposed at the end of stalk 212 distal to head base 202. In the illustrated embodiment, Intake pod 214 includes ports 216, feet 218 and bottom 220. Generally, ports 216 are configured to permit liquid to pass into intake pod 214 (and into stalk 212). Feet 218 are configured as protrusions from the body of intake pod 214, and are generally configured to prevent bottom 220 from flush contact with a surface or bladder. As such, in one embodiment, bottom 220 also includes a port 216 (not visible in the illustrated perspective).

In one embodiment, head assembly 200 is configured according to the following approximate dimensions:

spray trigger length: 3.00″ nozzle length: 0.75″ head base length: 3.50″ head base height: 3.00″ head cap height: 0.50″ stalk diameter: 0.25″ stalk length: 10.0″ intake pod diameter: 0.38″ intake pod height: 0.50″

Accordingly, as shown, in response to mechanical displacement of trigger 206 (by a user, for example), liquid surrounding intake pod 214 is drawn into ports 216, up through stalk 212 and passes out of nozzle 204. One skilled in the art will recognize similarities with conventional spray bottle operation. In one embodiment, head assembly 200 is coupled to a bladder and bottle as described below.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a system 300 comprising a bladder and bottle, such as bladder 106 and bottle 108 of FIG. 1, for example. In the illustrated embodiment, system 300 includes a head cap 310. Head cap 310 is an otherwise conventional screw cap and comprises a plurality of threads 312. Head cap 310 also includes an orifice 314. In the illustrated embodiment, orifice 314 is a circular orifice and is configured to correspond to a neck or bladder orifice, described below. Head cap 310 couples to a seal cap 320.

In the illustrated embodiment, seal cap 320 is a half-toroid configured with external threads 322. External threads 322 couple to threads 312 of head cap 310. Seal cap 320 also includes an orifice 324. In the illustrated embodiment, orifice 324 is a circular orifice and is configured to correspond to orifice 314. Seal cap 320 couples a bladder 330 to a bottle 340.

Bladder 330 is an otherwise conventional bladder and is configured to store liquid. In the illustrated embodiment, bladder 330 is disposed within a bottle 340. Bottle 340 is an otherwise conventional bottle and is configured to receive bladder 330. Bottle 340 includes neck 342 and ports 344. Generally neck 342 defines an orifice roughly corresponding to orifice 314 and orifice 324.

As illustrated, seal cap 320 is configured to fold and hold an open end of bladder 330 over neck 342, thereby coupling bladder 330 to bottle 340. Ports 344 allow communication between the atmosphere inside bottle 340 and the atmosphere outside bottle 340. As such, one skilled in the art will understand that a gap 346 will exist between bladder 330 and the inside wall of bottle 340. Gap 346 will decrease as bladder 330 fills with liquid, and will increase as liquid is removed from bladder 330. Ports 344, by allowing open communication with the outside atmosphere, preventing bottle 340 from collapsing under pressure and/or vacuum.

As such, when coupled with a head assembly, such as head assembly 200 of FIG. 2, for example, system 300 provides a sealed bladder to hold liquid. Configured according to the embodiments disclosed herein, the bottle provides some protection for the relatively weaker bladder, without also exposing the liquid in the bladder to open communication with the atmosphere to the same extent as prior art systems.

In one embodiment, system 300 is configured according to the following approximate dimensions:

seal cap bottom diameter: 1.50″ seal cap top diameter: 1.00″ bladder neck diameter: 2.00″ bladder length from orifice to base: 11.00″ bladder body diameter: 4.63″ bottle orifice to neck end length: 4.00″ bottle body diameter: 4.00″ bottle length from base to neck end: 5.50″

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, a seal cap couples the bladder to the bottle, and a head cap envelopes the bulk of the seal cap, coupling the head assembly to the bladder/bottle. In and alternate embodiment, the seal cap is configured as a dual screw cap, as illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a system 300 comprising a bladder and bottle, such as bladder 106 and bottle 108 of FIG. 1, for example. In the illustrated embodiment, system 400 includes a head cap 410. Head cap 410 is an otherwise conventional screw cap and comprises a plurality of threads 412. Head cap 410 also includes an orifice 414. In the illustrated embodiment, orifice 414 is a circular orifice and is configured to correspond to a neck or bladder orifice, described below. Head cap 410 couples to a seal cap 420.

In the illustrated embodiment, seal cap 420 is a dual screw cap, configured with external threads 424 and internal threads 426. External threads 422 couple to threads 412 of head cap 410. Seal cap 420 also includes an orifice 424. In the illustrated embodiment, orifice 424 is a circular orifice and is configured to correspond to orifice 414. Seal cap 420 couples a bladder 430 to a bottle 440.

Bladder 430 is an otherwise conventional bladder and is configured to store liquid. In the illustrated embodiment, bladder 430 is disposed within a bottle 440. Bottle 440 is an otherwise conventional bottle and is configured to receive bladder 430. Bottle 340 includes body 442, neck 444 and ports 450. Generally neck 444 defines an orifice roughly corresponding to orifice 414 and orifice 424. Neck 444 includes external threads 446. External threads 446 couple to internal threads 426.

As illustrated, seal cap 420 is configured to fold and hold an open end of bladder 430 over neck 444, coupling together external threads 446 and internal threads 426, thereby coupling bladder 430 to bottle 440. Ports 450 allow communication between the atmosphere inside bottle 440 and the atmosphere outside bottle 440. Ports 450, by allowing open communication with the outside atmosphere, preventing bottle 440 from collapsing under pressure and/or vacuum.

As such, when coupled with a head assembly, such as head assembly 200 of FIG. 2, for example, system 400 provides a sealed bladder to hold liquid. Configured according to the embodiments disclosed herein, the bottle provides some protection for the relatively weaker bladder, without also exposing the liquid in the bladder to open communication with the atmosphere to the same extent as prior art systems.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an alternate embodiment. System 500 includes a bladder 520 disposed within a bottle 530. Bladder 520 is an otherwise conventional bladder, modified as described above. Bottle 530 includes ports 532 and is an otherwise conventional bottle, modified as described above.

In the illustrated embodiment, system 500 includes a modified head assembly. Specifically, system 500 includes pop top cap 502. Pop top cap 502 includes a pop-top closure 504 coupled to a port 506. Pop-top closure 504 is an otherwise conventional pop-top closure, configured to allow liquid to pass through the closure when in a open position, and to restrict liquid flow when in a closed position. Port 506 couples pop top cap 502 to a seal cap 510.

In the illustrated embodiment, seal cap 510 is configured to couple bladder 520 to bottle 530 in a similar fashion as seal cap 320 of FIG. 3. Seal cap 510 includes one-way valve 512. In the illustrated embodiment, one-way valve 512 is a multiple flap valve. One skilled in the art will understand that other one-way valves can also be employed.

In the illustrated embodiment, system 500 does not include a stalk or spray assembly. Instead, pop-top closure 504 functions as a nozzle, and liquid is removed from system 500 though squeezing bottle 530. As such, in one embodiment, bottle 530 is constructed with a semi-rigid material, which allows a general form that protects the bladder 520 from tearing, but allows for some deformation caused by squeezing.

Squeezing bottle 530 puts pressure on bladder 520, which forces liquid through one way valve 512, out pop-top closure 504. System 500 is preferably configured to dispense condiments, soap, or other liquids generally too viscous to dispense through a spray mechanism. Thus, the bladder/bottle combination of system 500 stores liquid with reduced exposure to the outside atmosphere, reducing degradation of the liquid stored in system 500.

Accordingly, the disclosed embodiments provide numerous advantages over other methods and systems. For example, the disclosed embodiments provide a flexible bladder that contains liquid in a dispersal system with reduced exposure to the outside atmosphere. The reduced exposure to the outside atmosphere can extend the useful life of the liquid stored in the bladder, by reducing deterioration.

The disclosed embodiments also allow the bottle to be filled normally, without requiring the bladder to be changed with each refill. The disclosed bladder can also be configured to fit inside standard sized bottles, modified as described above. Further, because the bladder generally contains only liquid, and reduces in size as the liquid is dispensed, the stalk and other pumping mechanisms are always primed, resulting in improved ease of use.

Example liquids suitable for storage and dispensing using the disclosed embodiments include: disinfectant, carpet cleaner, stain cleaner, soybean oil, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, salad dressing and other condiments, and other suitable liquids. This list is illustrative only and in no way limiting.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that variations of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Additionally, various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art, which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims. 

1. A system, comprising: a bottle comprising a neck and a body, wherein the neck comprises a port configured for communication between an inside and an outside atmosphere; a bladder configured to hold liquid and to fit within the body of the bottle; a seal cap coupling the bladder to the bottle; and a head assembly coupled to the seal cap and forming a seal between the bladder and the head assembly, the head assembly comprising a nozzle.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the nozzle comprises a spray nozzle.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the nozzle comprises a one-way valve.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the head assembly comprises a spray trigger configured to force liquid through the nozzle.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the head assembly comprises a pop top configured to prevent liquid from escaping in a closed position and to allow liquid to escape in an open position.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the seal cap is a donut.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the seal cap is a second cap
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the seal cap further comprises a washer.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the head assembly comprises is a spray bottle head comprising a stalk.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the stalk comprises an intake pod.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the head assembly comprises a pop top and one-way valve.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the bladder is configured to resist deterioration caused by liquid stored in the bladder.
 13. A liquid dispersal system, comprising: a spray bottle head comprising a spray nozzle, a spray trigger, and a stalk; wherein the stalk comprises an intake pod configured to draw liquid into the intake pod, through the stalk, and out the spray nozzle, in response to activation of the spray trigger; wherein the stalk is disposed within a flexible bladder configured to store liquid; wherein the flexible bladder is disposed within a rigid bottle, the rigid bottle comprising a neck and a body, the neck comprising a plurality of evenly spaced ports configured to enable open communication between an inside of the rigid bottle and an atmosphere outside the rigid bottle; and a seal cap configured to couple the flexible bladder to the rigid bottle, and to form a seal between the flexible bladder and the spray bottle head.
 14. A liquid dispersal system, comprising: a squeeze bottle head comprising a pop-top and a one-way valve; a flexible bladder configured to store liquid and disposed within a semi-rigid bottle; the semi-rigid bottle comprising a neck and a body, the neck comprising a plurality of evenly spaced ports configured to enable open communication between an inside of the semi-rigid bottle and an atmosphere outside the semi-rigid bottle; and a seal cap configured to couple the flexible bladder to the semi-rigid bottle, and to the semi-rigid bottle to the squeeze bottle head, and to form a seal between the flexible bladder and the spray bottle head. 